“Redemption” - 1/25/25
In Ruth 3-4, we read of the planning and execution of Ruth’s redemption by Boaz. In Ruth three, Ruth approaches Boaz at night, requesting that he do his part as the “near kinsman” that she and Naomi might be benefitted. Boaz agrees to this but says he needs to check with someone who is closer kin to Elimelech than he is. If this man wishes to accept his role, Boaz must allow him that opportunity. In Ruth four, we see the “execution” of this plan as Boaz approaches the man, explains the situation, and gives this “kinsman” the opportunity to refuse or relinquish his role (v. 1-12).
Amid the discussion between Boaz and the unnamed man (Ruth 4:1), we see the word “redeem” used eight times in two verses (v. 4, 6)! “Redeeming” was used once in this text (v. 7), and all of it refers to the same act. Put simply, to “redeem” means to buy back, and this is made clear in the context when we add verses 9-10 to the study. What did Boaz do? Yes, he bought land, but more importantly, he had “purchased,” in a sense, “Ruth the Moabitess” (v. 10). How did He purchase her? She was not to become his slave but to become his wife. He “purchased” her in the sense that he is releasing or freeing her from her widowhood. Through their marriage, she would have property rights once more. She would have children to bless her (v. 13-14) and have the home life Mahlon might have provided had he lived (Ruth 1:5, 4:10).
In a nutshell, Boaz is a redeemer for his bride, Ruth. He makes his intentions quite public as he sets forth to redeem and bless her, though she has no physical means of reciprocating or paying him back. She could do nothing for him politically. The “risk” was all his, but he gladly paid that price and took her as his own because he loved her deeply and selflessly.
Do we see an image of Christ in Boaz? Christ has done similar things for us. Christ has stood up for us as our redeemer (Gal. 4:4-7; Titus 2:12-14; I Pet. 1:18-19). Though we have done nothing to repay or earn this action (Lk. 17:10; I Jn. 4:10), Christ willingly redeemed us because of His unconditional love for us (Eph. 3:19, 5:2, 25). He then took us as His own, and we have become the bride of Christ (Jn. 3:29-30; Eph. 5:27).
When did all of this happen? Christ’s redemption, in one sense, began in eternity, for Jesus told Pilate it was His purpose to come to this world and die on the cross (Jn. 18:37). In another sense, we know the moment Christ’s life was offered on the cross, and His blood was shed “for many for the remission of sins” (Matt. 26:28). Thus, Christ offered the “purchase price” or “redemption price” for us with His blood (I Pet. 1:18-19). Unlike Ruth, who came to Boaz and requested such in chapter 3, our “redemption” happened before we asked for it (Rom. 5:8; I Jn. 4:10).
If we wish to be redeemed, we must accept the Lord’s conditions. This means we hear the truth (Jn. 17:17; Acts 2:22; Rom. 10:17) and believe He is the Son of God (Jn. 8:24; Heb. 11:6). Based on this faith, we repent of our sins (Lk. 13:3, 5), confess Jesus as the Son of God (Acts 8:37; Rom. 10:10), and be baptized “for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38, 22:16). By accepting the Lord’s sacrifice and obeying His word, we can be redeemed from sin, be added to the Lord’s church (Acts 2:47) and look forward to Heaven in eternity (I Cor. 15:24-26, 58; Rev. 2:10; II Tim. 4:6-8)!
The next time we read the book of Ruth, remember this truth that permeates the book. It is not only a book about the love a man has for a woman and the actions he takes to win her and bless a family. This is also a reflection of something greater yet to come, a future redemption that would be felt in all creation (Jn. 3:16; Matt. 20:28; Heb. 2:9-10)!
- Jarrod M. Jacobs